According to an embodiment, a receiving apparatus includes a memory, a first generator, a second generator, a transmitter, a receiver. The memory stores service information including search criteria set in a memory device and a connection method for connecting with the memory device. The first generator generates a common search query that is a search query expressing search conditions used in searching contents and that includes at least a pair of a common search condition attribute and a common search condition attribute value. The second generator generates a search query according to the search criteria specified in the service information with the use of the generated common search query. The transmitter transmits the generated search query to the memory device based on the connection method specified in the service information. The receiver receives, from the memory device, the attribute information obtained as a result of executing the search query.